If architecture is, as THEY say the new vehicle (read: concrete expression as opposed to ephemeral longings) for comprehension in a generation that has (somehow...miraculously) evolved beyond the banal excesses of the pepsi (mtv,kfc) generation, then p. greenaway can be seen as the last bastion of that segment of the mono(poly)cultural elite that presumes proprietorship of the means and realms of cultural production. The king of obsession is dead, long live etc. The days are over (or ending, it is to be hoped) when monomphallic polymaths expressing their own particularities are replaced by truly cross cultural and multi media artists, not those pretending to be either open-minded (shocking) or erudite (cryptic). This book both gains and suffers from bearing the true attributes of PG's work; at times beautiful, at times enlightening, and at times pretentious and didactic. Sadly, and similarly, not often enough all of the above.

i have not read the book bought have seen the video sick sick sic

Probably because of its graphic & offensive nature upon a cursory viewing, Peter Greenaway's BABY OF MACON is rarely shown in the US and not available on video. Fortunately, a handsome Parisian(in English) edition of the script is available. On the surface, the story is one of the spoiled Italian aristocrat Cosimo De Medici watching a play, concerning a woman pretending to virgin birth to exploit a "miracle baby" for fame & profit. Throughout, de Medici, not quite understanding it isn't real, interferes in the action, ultimately with horrifying consequences as the play and reality lose all division. But anyone reading will find several layers of meaning atop one another, and one will be furious one can't see the film readily. Highly recommended.--John Roberson